If you haven’t heard about the recent hype of Pokémon Go get out from under your rock and download the app.
If you have heard about the recent hype of Pokémon Go then you’re probably reading this because you, like us, probably have zero idea what the f*#k it actually is or why you should care.
In simple terms, what is it?
Pokémon Go is what techsperts call an “augmented reality” game for iOS and Android smart phones and devices and it’s free. You know, from Nintendo’s popular ’90s game of the same name. Players physically (yes, you have to get up and walk around to play this game) move in the real world to capture Pokémon or pokemonsters as they appear on your phone screen.
So #fitspo!
How do you play?
Firstly you have to create your digital avatar. You can choose your gender, appearance, outfit (holla) and backpack style.
Then you’re provided with a map that is basically a more exciting version of Google Maps and is the exact same layout as your current location. Local landmarks are now PokéStops and Pokémon Gyms. As you walk around your neighbourhood in the real world with the app open you’ll come across the Pokémon on planet earth. Crazy, right?!
How do you capture Pokémon?
When a Pokémon is nearby your phone will vibrate to let you know it’s close. You have to take aim and throw a Poké ball to capture the Pokémon.
By tapping on your Poké ball you can “throw” it to capture the creature. When you have a Pokémon in front of you a glowing ring appears around it. When the ring is at its smallest, hold down and “throw” the Poké ball towards the Pokémon to try hit it on the head by releasing your finger.
Once you capture a Pokémon it goes into your Pokédex.
Apparently there’s over 100 Pokémon available for capture and you really need to adventure to find some. Certain creatures are Water types so heading out to local beaches, rivers and ponds is a good idea. During the evening you’ll have a better chance at finding a Fairy type.
Experts say you’re better off sticking to populated areas. The more PokéStops there are, the more likely you are to find Pokémon as that’s where most appear. Think shopping malls, art galleries, and parks.
Stuff reported earlier today that two Wellington girls even got in a kayak to play the game. No kidding.
What is a Pokémon Gym?
You’ll see some tall tower structures on the map and these are gyms. The colour of the tower indicates which of three Pokémon trainer teams it belongs to. Once you get to level 5 you will be prompted to join one of the three teams: Mystic, Valor or Instinct.
As cute as Pokémon are the game doesn’t stop at collection. They’re made to fight and you do so at the gym.
Once you join a team you will represent that team when your Pokémon fight at the gym. The more powerful your Pokémon are, the more likely you are to win.
What is a PokéStop?
PokéStops are attached to local landmarks IRL. If you get close enough they give you an assortment of necessary items for your journey, like Poké balls for capturing Pokémon. Capiche?
Key items you find at a PokéStop are eggs and incense.
Why should you start playing?
If you’re a frequent sufferer of FOMO, there’s your answer.
Like all “cool” things these days, it’s just a fad. This too shall pass.
Questions we still need answered:
- How does one progress up levels?
- Does this mean our phones are actually making us fit?
- How far do we really have to walk, because heels?
- What happens when you get to fight at the gym?
- What do incense do?
- Do we have to pay for anything with real money?
- What do eggs do?
- How far do we really have to walk, because heels?
